ASCEND Podcast

Hosted by Jared Tippets and Eric Kirby

Business Education Society CultureInterviews guests

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Episodes

196

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Are you ready to ASCEND to new possibilities? In this podcast, Dr. Jared Tippets and Dr. Eric Kirby outline why a focus on retention and completion is so important, why previous retention efforts have not always worked, and discuss how we can successfully "ASCEND" to these great expectations. In each episode, we will share innovative ideas, creative initiatives, and best practices and strategies that campuses have used to achieve amazing results. This podcast has intentionally been produced in a quick-tip, bite-sized format where the listener can quickly find ideas, initiatives, and solutions that can be tried on campus today.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 14, 2026Episode 3013 min

S3 - E30 - Dr. Kris Bliss - Behavioral Analytic Nudges (Nudges)

In this episode, we explore how Indiana Tech is leveraging behavioral analytics and personalized nudging to support student success. By analyzing students’ digital engagement patterns and identifying behavioral profiles, the institution is delivering targeted messages that address challenges related to motivation, belonging, confidence, time management, and help-seeking. The conversation examines how data-informed outreach, delivered through AI-powered communication tools, can provide timely support that meets students where they are. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of behavioral science, technology, and retention strategy, highlighting how personalized nudges can help students stay connected, engaged, and on track toward their educational goals.

June 7, 2026Episode 2926 min

S3 - E29 - Dr. Evan W. Faidley - Holistic Support Strategies to Improve Retention (Engagement)

In this episode, we explore how the University of Central Arkansas is leveraging podcasting as a tool for graduate student success, connection, and professional development. Through Grad Chats at UCA, students, faculty, and administrators engage in meaningful conversations about mentoring, networking, wellness, belonging, and the unique challenges of graduate education. The discussion highlights how institutions can use accessible digital platforms to build community, share resources, and support graduate students as they navigate the academic, personal, and professional dimensions of their educational journey.To learn more and listen in, access Grad Chats at UCA episodes using the following links:Spotify: tinyurl.com/gradchatsatuca-spotifyApple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/gradchatsatuca-applepodcast

May 31, 2026Episode 2822 min

S3 - E28 - Dr. Ryan Barnhart - Building a Supportive Culture for Student and Faculty/Staff Retention (Culture)

In this episode, we explore how building a strong campus culture can strengthen both student success and faculty and staff retention. Drawing on insights from Education Affiliates, the conversation examines how institutions can create more supportive, inclusive environments through meaningful feedback, culturally responsive programming, and intentional recognition of community contributions. From student belonging and engagement to employee satisfaction and institutional reputation, this episode highlights practical strategies for fostering a culture where students, faculty, and staff all feel valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.

May 24, 2026Episode 2716 min

S3 - E27 - Dr. Gill Hunter - How to Know When Students are Delusional (*not in a clinical way) (Support)

In this episode, we explore how Eastern Kentucky University uses pulse surveys and early progress reports to identify students whose perceptions of their academic performance do not match reality. The conversation examines how timely data, strategic nudges, and personalized advising can help students who either underestimate their struggles or lose confidence too quickly. By connecting student self-assessments with classroom performance, advisors are able to deliver targeted support that encourages help-seeking, resilience, and realistic self-awareness. This episode highlights how simple, proactive interventions can play a powerful role in student retention and success.

May 17, 2026Episode 2620 min

S3 - E26 - Dr. Tim Young - The Future Faculty Fellows Program: Supporting the Success and Retention of Low-Income and Hispanic Graduate Students (Affordability)

In this episode, we explore how Concordia University Irvine is advancing equity in graduate education through its Future Faculty Fellows Program. Designed to support low-income and Hispanic students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, the program combines scholarships, mentoring, academic coaching, and career preparation to help students overcome barriers and succeed in higher education. The conversation highlights how intentional support systems can improve retention, diversify the pipeline of future educators and leaders, and create meaningful pathways into academic careers for underrepresented populations.

May 10, 2026Episode 2536 min

S3 - E25 - Joshua Morrison - Predictive Analytics Powered Case Management Improves Student Outcomes (Data)

In this episode, we explore how the University of Indianapolis is using predictive analytics and case management to improve student retention and success. Through its Success Slate platform, the university combines machine learning, real-time student data, and personalized outreach to identify students who may be at risk of stopping out before challenges escalate. The conversation highlights how technology and human connection work together, allowing advisors, coaches, and student affairs staff to deliver timely, relationship-centered support that helps students stay enrolled and thrive. This episode offers a compelling look at how data-informed strategies can strengthen both student outcomes and institutional sustainability.

May 3, 2026Episode 2421 min

S3 - E24 - Dr. Ammon Harris - Using 6-Week Data for Strategic Nudges (Nudges)

In this episode, we explore how Southern Utah University is using early-term data and peer mentor insights to deliver strategic nudges that improve student retention. Focusing on the critical weeks between two and six, the conversation highlights a simple yet powerful framework that categorizes students by likelihood to persist and prioritizes outreach where it matters most. By combining data with human connection, peer mentors are able to identify at-risk students, personalize support, and intervene early. This episode offers a practical look at how institutions can use timely insights and targeted engagement to help more students stay on track and succeed.

April 26, 2026Episode 2327 min

S3 - E23 - Dr. Jamarco Clark & Dr. Christopher Hawkins - The Engagement Playbook: Experiences over Events (Engagement)

In this episode, we explore how institutions are rethinking student engagement by prioritizing experiences over traditional events. The conversation highlights how intentional design, inclusive programming, and thoughtful marketing can transform routine activities into meaningful moments that foster connection, belonging, and well-being. From supporting commuter students to creating immersive campus environments, this episode offers practical strategies for building engagement that lasts, showing how memorable experiences can drive student satisfaction, persistence, and success.

April 19, 2026Episode 2214 min

S3 - E22 - Nii Kpakpo Abrahams - Encourage. Empower. Equip.: Cultivating Faculty Engagement for Student Success (Culture)

In this episode, we visited with Nii Kpakpo Abrahams to explore how Butler University is strengthening student success by investing in one of its most powerful assets, faculty. The conversation challenges common misconceptions and highlights how institutions can encourage, empower, and equip faculty to play a central role in retention, especially for first-year students. Through initiatives like faculty development workshops, first-year summits, and fellowship programs, Butler has built a culture that prioritizes academic belonging and classroom engagement. This episode offers practical ideas for fostering collaboration, deepening faculty involvement, and transforming the classroom into a cornerstone of student success.

April 12, 2026Episode 2120 min

S3 - E21 - Dr. Matt Daily and Tiffany Sorensen - Navigating the Challenges: The Impact of Academic Advising on Retaining Students Who Underperform in Their First Semester (Support)

In this episode, we explore how proactive academic advising can play a critical role in retaining students who struggle in their first semester. Drawing on the work at Idaho State University, the conversation highlights how early identification, personalized advising, and intentional follow-up can help students on Academic Warning regain confidence and momentum. We discuss the importance of meeting students where they are, creating space for reflection, and empowering informed choices as they navigate academic challenges. With data showing meaningful gains in retention, this episode offers practical insights into how targeted, student-centered advising strategies can turn early setbacks into opportunities for long-term success.